I'm surprised and shocked by the number of people here that had problems with colonoscopies. Mine was fine, no pain worth mentioning, just a bit of disconfort. And it was all so quick, just around 15 to 20 minutes. Done in September.

I was very relaxed about it, had not read anything negative, only read the information sent by hospital, so maybe that helped me feel relaxed. I had a choice of gaz only or intervenous sedation and I chose gaz because I wanted to be alert and see the procedure on the screen. They gave me Buscopan by injection to relax my bowels.

I wonder if some of the NHS consultants are not very experienced or trained properly to preform colonoscopies... and thus the problems encountered by so many patients on this thread. The difficulty in recruiting qualified staff are making the NHS employ people that are not fully trained, I've read many trainee doctors are routinely left in charge of patients on their own... Sad times for a country that is one of the richest in the world.

My advice to anyone reading this and dreading to have a colonoscopy is: don't worry, it should be pain free. Ask your hospital if the consultant is qualified and experienced to do colonoscopies. Ask this in writing and demand a reply in writing too. If they refuse to put it in writing... go elsewhare. You have the right to choose where you want to be treated.

I don't think pre reading influences experience. I had a colonoscopy 2 years ago without any pain nor discomfort. Was given sedation and the next thing I knew I was in a recovery room. NOT the case yesterday... it took 3 attempts/sites over 2 arms to attach a canular. The medical team were really friendly and apologetic. I had no reason to consider pain given my last experience. The pain was excruciating, I thought I was going to stop breathing. In my stupor I attempted several times to stop them and eventually ended up with the colonoscopist grabbing my stomach and pulling me tightly again him. The nurse repeatedly saying 'keep calm, relax'. I am pleased I had it because I have been suffering from very severe pains and discomfort and was concerned about cancer, BUT would like to know if this should happen? Wishing you all well. 

I don't think pre reading influences experience. I had a colonoscopy 2 years ago without any pain nor discomfort. Was given sedation and the next thing I knew I was in a recovery room. NOT the case yesterday... it took 3 attempts/sites over 2 arms to attach a canular. The medical team were really friendly and apologetic. I had no reason to consider pain given my last experience. The pain was excruciating, I thought I was going to stop breathing. In my stupor I attempted several times to stop them and eventually ended up with the colonoscopist grabbing my stomach and pulling me tightly again him. The nurse repeatedly saying 'keep calm, relax'. I am pleased I had it because I have been suffering from very severe pains and discomfort and was concerned about cancer, BUT would like to know if this should happen? Wishing you all well.